Fellowship, among believers

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.

Sharing in the fellowship of God’s love

1 John 4:10–12 ESV

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

See also Jn 13:34; Jn 15:12; Eph 5:1–2; 1 Jn 3:10

Sharing in the fellowship of a common devotional life

Acts 2:42 ESV

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Worshiping together

Psalm 55:14 ESV

We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.

See also Ps 42:4; 1 Co 14:26; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16

Praying together

Acts 1:14 ESV

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Breaking bread together

1 Co 10:16–17; 2 Pe 2:13; Jud 12 Love feasts accompanied the Lord’s Supper though these were open to abuse.

True fellowship means sharing with those in need

Hebrews 13:16 ESV

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Showing hospitality

Romans 12:13 ESV

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

See also Is 58:7; Heb 13:1–2; 1 Pe 4:9; 3 Jn 8

Sharing resources

Dt 15:10–11; Ac 2:44–45

Acts 2:44–45 ESV

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

See also Dt 10:18–19 God’s people are to reflect his concern for the needy in society; Mt 25:35–36; Lk 3:11; Ac 4:32–35; 2 Co 8:13–15; 1 Ti 6:17–18; Jas 1:27; Jas 2:15–16

Strengthening one another in fellowship together

Bearing with the weak

Galatians 6:1–2 ESV

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

See also Is 42:3; Ro 14:1; Ro 15:1; 1 Th 5:14

Strengthening the weak

Isaiah 35:3–4 ESV

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

Encouraging one another

Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

See also 1 Sa 23:16; Ro 1:12; 1 Th 5:11; Heb 13:3

Putting the needs of others first

Romans 15:2 ESV

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

True fellowship means living in harmony

1 Peter 3:8 ESV

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

See also Ro 12:16; Eph 4:2–3; Php 2:1–4; Col 3:12–14

God’s Plan of Salvation

Romans 10:17 ESV17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 10:17 ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Hebrews 11:6 ESV6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 ESV

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Luke 13:3 ESV3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Luke 13:3 ESV

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

1 Timothy 6:12–13 ESV12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,

1 Timothy 6:12–13 ESV

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,

Acts 2:37–38 ESV37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:37–38 ESV

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 2:10 ESV10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:10 ESV

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

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